The HP Chromebook 11 was released with something unique for charging. The notebook arrived with a microUSB charger, which most will recognize as the same setup they use to charge their tablet or smartphone. Though, the charger on the Chromebook 11 was a bit more powerful. That aside, that charger eventually lead to Google and HP halting all sales of the Chromebook 11.
We later learned the charger was reaching temperatures of 140 degrees. The testing was done by Consumer Reports and along with those details, there was also some talk about how the UL would be conducting an investigation. After all, these chargers were/are UL certified for use. Well, flash forward till the present day and it looks like the US Consumer Product Safety Commission has posted an official recall.
The details are dated December 17, 2013 and posted on the official CPSC.gov website. The recall mentions there are about 145,000 units out in the public, but only nine reports of issue.
“Google has received nine reports of chargers overheating and melting during use. There is one report of a small burn to a consumer and one report of minor property damage to a pillow from an overheating charger.”
Further details coming from the report touch on how customers should stop using the charger immediately and “contact Google for a free replacement charger.” We have yet to hear anything direct from Google in terms of a replacement program and looking at the HP Chromebook 11 listing simply mentions how it “is not currently available” and instructs those reading to “please check back soon.”
Otherwise, the listing for the HP Chromebook 11 has been removed from the Play Store. We have seen a Play Store listing for a replacement charger, though, that listing looked to be one setup for purchase and had it listed as coming soon. All said and done, it looks like this charger issue is progressing as expected, but so far nothing in terms of when the notebook may return for those still waiting to make a purchase.
VIA: The Verge
